When Apple launched its $29 AirTag item tracker in 2021, the company promised to apply its evolving Find My technology to keys, wallets, bags, pets, and anything else you can attach. Now Apple is reportedly working on an upgrade. The iPhone maker is testing an upgraded version of AirTags that could make finding items easier, according to a report from Bloomberg. The upgraded version is reportedly already in testing and won’t be released until the middle of next year, according to the site.
An Apple representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment. If Apple goes according to plan, the upgraded AirTag hardware will be the first major change to the device since its launch.
The possible plans to upgrade AirTags mark another way Apple continues to cultivate key technologies that help its popular iPhones, iPads and Mac computers stand out.
read more: AirTags, Tile vs. Samsung SmartTag: How Apple compares to its competitors
Apple has launched its “Find My” network to make it easier for people to find their lost iPhones and iPads. It works by tapping into a network of anonymous snoops on other people’s Apple devices, aiming to obtain device information and share it with the device owner in a privacy-preserving way. When Apple launched AirTag, it claimed that more than 1 billion active iPhone users would effectively help users find lost items.
While AirTags have become popular as devices to help track items like bicycles, surfboards and even children, supporters have criticized the devices as potential tools for trackers. Shortly after AirTags launched, privacy advocates raised concerns that the company’s built-in identity protection tools might not be enough to protect unsuspecting victims.
Apple responded by changing how often AirTags make sounds when traveling with non-registered owners. Apple also released an Android app to help people identify accidental AirTags they have with them. Earlier this month, Apple further collaborated with Google to integrate support for “unnecessary tracking alerts” in iOS and Android.
read more: Apple launches AirTags and Find My Detector apps for Android in an effort to enhance privacy
Aside from the purportedly improved tracking capabilities, it’s unclear what other changes will be coming to AirTags. Some consumers requested physical changes to the device, such as built-in keychain holes, colorful AirTags or a flat design for wallets.
Apple also has trouble with broad battery compatibility. The AirTag battery lasts about a year before needing to be replaced with a common CR2032 3-volt coin cell battery, available at most stores. But some companies have had to label their batteries as “Apple AirTag compatible” because the device can’t use some of the bitter coatings designed to deter children from ingesting them.
